Hortonville Youth Sports
Girls Coach Pitch – Grade levels 1st & 2nd
General
1.This league is for 1st and 2nd grade girls.
2.Games are 5 innings in length or 60 minutes in length, whichever comes first. A new inning should not be started after 50 minutes. If game is called because of rain or darkness, the team behind must have batted in 3rd inning for the game to count. A tie is a tie and it is okay to end the game in a tie.
3.Coaches and umpire should verify start time of the game and document this in the score book.
4.Each team should keep track of the score and verbally communicate this after each at bat to avoid all disputes.
5.There is a 4 run limit per inning. Unless time is a factor, all innings, including the bottom of the 5th should be played. Even if a team can no longer win, they should still have their last at bat. Often times the batting team scores4 runs and leaves with a good feeling.
6.A 11” Softball will be used for play.
Fielding
1.All players on the team will play defense each inning. The infield will consist of a pitcher and catcher and 4 infielders. All other players should play in the outfield in the grass.
2.The pitcher may be no more than 4’ from the pitching rubber when the pitch is thrown.
3.Every player must play some innings in both the infield and the outfield.
4.No player may play more than two innings at either the pitcher or first base positions.
5.Each child should have equal opportunity to learn all the positions. We want well-rounded ball players not position players.
6.If the pitching coach is hit by a batted or thrown ball, the ball shall remain live.
7.Outfielders must start each at bat on the grass.
8.Players in the infield may not stand in front of the baseline. This includes the shortstop.
9.Fielders should be taught to attempt the out that stops the lead runner. Even when a better player may be at first base to catch a ball, the play should go to the lead base if there are base runners. This includes plays where the ball is hit back to the pitcher. The pitcher should be throwing the ball home to make a play at home base instead of running the ball to the base. This should be used to teach the catcher to be watching and aware of the play.
10.Catchers must wear a helmet, face mask and a chest protector at all times. Shin guards will be available and are optional.
Batting
1.All players on the team must bat, the same batting order should be used the entire game.
2.Pitching will be done by the batting team coach. The pitching coach will ensure everyone is ready stating ball in play and then throw an underhand pitch, to simulate a softball pitch from the 35’ pitching rubber.
3.Each batter will get 5 pitches. If on the 5th pitch they hit a foul ball, they will receive another pitch. If the ball is not put into play, the T will be used. Players will get two chances to hit a fair ball with the T. They will be given a second chance if they accidentally knock the ball off the T when lining up the ball. Any hit off the T is held to a single base regardless of where the ball goes. Players already on base are also held to advancing one base only.
4.Any hit ball must advance beyond the 15’ arc to be considered a playable ball.
5.No bunting is allowed and there are no walks.
6.No infield fly rule.
7.Batters will be called out if they throw the bat. Safety issue. NO WARNINGS!
Base running
1.Players should be taught to look for and listen to the coach at first and third base.
2.Players may not leave the base until the ball is hit.
3.When a ball goes into the outfield, runners may advance multiple bases.
4.No advancement is allowed on an overthrow.
5.No runner may advance on a passed ball, wild pitch or an overthrow when the catcher is returning a pitched ball to the pitcher.
6.A player may not intentionally create contact with another player at any time.
7.If the defensive player has the ball and a play is being made, the offensive player must slide and make every effort to avoid contact with the defensive player or they will be called out.
8.If a defensive player is in the base path without the ball and makes contact with, or impedes the path of the offensive player, interference may be called on the defensive player.
Coaching
1.On offense each team will be allowed 3 coaches (parent helpers) at a time. There should be 2 base coaches used, one at first and one at third. The third coach will be pitching.
2.On defense two coaches may be used in the outfield in the grass.
3. Coaches should make every attempt to teach their players how to play the game. Remember, this league is all about learning how to play and having fun. Coaches should remain positive at all times with their players, the other team and parents, and the umpire.
Revised 12/5/17